(Smyrna) –

(Smyrna) – Delaware Governor Jack Markell declared a State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning today for the entire state.  Governor Markell had previously ordered state offices closed at noon, sending all non-essential personnel home.

The Delaware Code defines a Level 1 Driving Warning in this manner: “Level 1 Driving Warning: A “Level 1 Driving Warning” shall mean that any person operating a motor vehicle when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle. Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.”

Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) officials, along with other emergency response agencies across the state are monitoring the snowstorm that is making its way through Delaware.  The National Weather Service (NWS) posted a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect until 6am, Wednesday, January 22.  NWS forecasters say that as much as 8-14 inches of snow could fall in New Castle County, 4-8 inches in Kent and much of Sussex County, with 6-8 inches in southern Sussex County.

The weather conditions bring two problems to the state – snow accumulations and high winds.  High winds will cause patchy areas of snow and ice, along with drifts on roadways.  Drivers should use extreme caution throughout the storm period.  The other problem is the extreme cold associated with this weather.  Temperatures will drop overnight across the state, and by morning, wind chills could register around -7 degrees Fahrenheit.  Those venturing outside should dress appropriately as hypothermia is a possible danger.  Pets should be sheltered or brought indoors.

Roads were pre-treated by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) with brine, a water and salt mixture, as early as Monday in anticipation of the snowstorm.  DelDOT crews are currently salting roadways.  Road conditions statewide will worsen as the snow and wind continue.  Motorists should reduce speeds appropriately based on road conditions.  Delaware State Police are reporting wet and slippery roads across the state, with some roadways snow covered.  State Police are also reporting numerous traffic accidents across Delaware.

Governor Markell had previously ordered state offices closed at noon, sending all non-essential personnel home.

The Delaware Code defines a Level 1 Driving Warning in this manner: “Level 1 Driving Warning: A “Level 1 Driving Warning” shall mean that any person operating a motor vehicle when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle. Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.”

Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) officials, along with other emergency response agencies across the state are monitoring the snowstorm that is making its way through Delaware.  The National Weather Service (NWS) posted a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect until 6am, Wednesday, January 22.  NWS forecasters say that as much as 8-14 inches of snow could fall in New Castle County, 4-8 inches in Kent and much of Sussex County, with 6-8 inches in southern Sussex County.

The weather conditions bring two problems to the state – snow accumulations and high winds.  High winds will cause patchy areas of snow and ice, along with drifts on roadways.  Drivers should use extreme caution throughout the storm period.  The other problem is the extreme cold associated with this weather.  Temperatures will drop overnight across the state, and by morning, wind chills could register around -7 degrees Fahrenheit.  Those venturing outside should dress appropriately as hypothermia is a possible danger.  Pets should be sheltered or brought indoors.

Roads were pre-treated by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) with brine, a water and salt mixture, as early as Monday in anticipation of the snowstorm.  DelDOT crews are currently salting roadways.  Road conditions statewide will worsen as the snow and wind continue.  Motorists should reduce speeds appropriately based on road conditions.  Delaware State Police are reporting wet and slippery roads across the state, with some roadways snow covered.  State Police are also reporting numerous traffic accidents across Delaware.

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 21, 2014) – With snow widespread across the state and temperatures forecast to drop into the 20s and lower through Friday, Code Purple locations have been established in New Castle and Sussex counties to help people who are homeless find shelter. The duration of the shelters are subject to weather conditions and the resources of the coordinating agency or place of worship.

People with emergency housing needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to the most appropriate shelter or service.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

Wilmington

Friendship House has enacted Code Purple beginning today, Jan. 21, and for the remainder of the week. Volunteers provide soup and sandwiches. Friendship House provides hot beverages, paper and cleaning products. The shelter will be open each day from 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 22 and for the remainder of the week, doors will open at 5:30 a.m. at this location.

For more information about Code Purple nights, call Bill Perkins at (302) 559-5716.

Salvation Army activates Code Purple when necessary. After 8:30 p.m., those at the sanctuary will go to the Salvation Army shelter, 400 N. Orange St. Men will be provided a cot set-up in the gymnasium and women will be provided accommodation in the women’s shelter. An evening snack and continental breakfast will be served before visitors leave the facility at 6 a.m.

Newark

A coalition of 10 Newark faith communities offers emergency sanctuary from dusk to dawn (6 p.m.-6 a.m.). Eight local churches rotate in serving as the host site. Volunteers from local faith communities and community organizations support guests who are homeless in a church common room with access to bathrooms, a light evening meal, hot beverages and blankets.

Those in the Newark area who are in need of sanctuary from the cold weather are encouraged to call (302) 544-0165, and sign up for services with the Newark Empowerment Center. The center’s office hours are 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The host overnight sanctuary locations for the Newark Empowerment Center are:

• Today (Jan. 21): Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.
• Wednesday (Jan. 22): Calvary Baptist Church, 215 E. Delaware Ave., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Beginning today, Jan, 21, and for however long Code Purple is in effect: People in need of overnight sanctuary are encouraged to go to Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The facility does not have the capacity to house families; only single individuals can be hosted at this time. For more information, call Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, at (302) 604-2619.

KENT COUNTY

Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, said the overnight sanctuary at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach would take individuals who are homeless in Kent County or elsewhere who can get to the shelter.

CENTRALIZED INTAKE: HOMELESS PREVENTION RESPONSE SYSTEM

Centralized Intake is a statewide program that provides an efficient and effective process for assessing individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis, identifying the most appropriate housing intervention needed to end their episode of homelessness, and referring them to crisis services and/or shelter to meet their immediate needs.

Anyone experiencing a housing crisis is urged to call 2-1-1.  The operator will ask a few questions to determine if they would benefit from prevention services in the community or if they need to be assessed by a housing specialist.

DOVER (April 12, 2013) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, between April 3 and April 9 DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents made 1,135 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 12 boating safety/fishing regulation compliance checks. Agents responded to 36 complaints and issued 41 citations. Incidents of particular note included: 

• On April 8, following an investigation, agents arrested Howard B. Carter IV, 35, of Middletown and charged him with possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, hunting from a roadway, third degree conspiracy, hunting wild turkey without a permit, failure to register wild turkey, illegal possession of wild turkey, hunting wild turkey during a closed season and failure to wear required camouflage while hunting wild turkey. Carter was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 in New Castle and released pending a later trial in a higher court. 
• Agents arrested two local fugitives. On April 4, Lanier L. Bright, 41, of Millsboro, was taken into custody on a Justice of the Peace Court warrant and released after posting bail. Bright was also cited for trespassing after hours in a state wildlife area. On April 8, Sarah King, 40, of Millsboro, was taken into custody on a Justice of the Peace Court 3 warrant and committed to Sussex Correctional Institute in default of bond. King and a companion were also cited for trespassing after hours in a state wildlife area. 
• On April 5, a 24-year-old Wilmington man was cited for possession of an undersized snapping turtle, which the man had offered for sale online. Agents also issued a warning to the man about two other turtles found in his possession for which he did not have a permit. All three turtles were turned over to Division of Fish and Wildlife’s aquatic education staff. 

Citations issued by violation type included the following, with the number of charges in parentheses: 

Wildlife Conservation: Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (1), hunting from a roadway (1), hunting wild turkey without required permit (1), failure to register wild turkey (1), illegal possession of wild turkey (1), hunting wild turkey during a closed season (1), and failure to wear required camouflage while hunting wild turkey (1), and possession of an undersized snapping turtle (1), New Castle County; Trespassing  after hours in a state wildlife area (8), illegally offering antlered deer parts for sale (2), commercialization of native wildlife (1), and an international wildlife trafficking violation for offering for sale a taxidermy-mounted bear (1)*, Sussex County. 

* A press release on the commercialization of wildlife case was issued earlier this week: Milford man charged with illegally selling mounted wildlife .

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (6), fishing in a closed trout stream (3), over limit trout (1), and no trout stamp (1), New Castle County.

Public Safety: Parking violations related to trout season opening day (8), New Castle County.

 Other: Criminal mischief (1), and third degree conspiracy (1), Sussex County.

Are you AWARE?

 The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section reminds hunters that the 2013 Delaware spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 13, and runs through Saturday, May 11. Hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise until 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 

Delaware hunters are reminded that they must have successfully completed a mandatory one-day turkey hunter education class before they can legally hunt wild turkeys in Delaware. Turkey hunters also are required to carry their Hunter Education Card certifying successful completion of the course. Hunting on public lands is by preseason lottery permit only. Hunters must carry their public lands permit while hunting and may only hunt the designated area and season segment/dates specified in the permit.

 Bag limit is one bearded bird per year; birds without beards may not be taken. All birds taken must be checked by 2:30 p.m. on the day of the hunt at an authorized turkey check station. For a list of check stations, click Turkey Check Stations. 

For more information, pick up a copy of the 2012-2013 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide at your local hunting license dealer, or check it out online at Delaware Hunting Guide.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/OpGameTheft.aspx .

Vol. 43, No. 145

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DOVER (March 28, 2013) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents made 597 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 12 boating safety checks, in which all but one vessel operator was found to be in compliance. Agents also responded to 15 complaints and issued 5 citations between March 20 and 27.

Citations issued by violation type included the following, with the number of charges in parentheses:

Wildlife Conservation: Operating a motor vehicle at excessive speed in a state wildlife area (1), operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway in a state wildlife area (1), and dumping in a state wildlife area (1), New Castle County; Trespassing after hours in a state wildlife area (1), Kent County.

Boating Safety: Insufficient number of life jackets aboard vessel (1), Kent County.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Training
Fish and Wildlife agents Sr. Cpl. Casey Zolper and K-9 Warden attended a week of quarterly training in Maryland March 18-22, joining Maryland Department of Natural Resources dogs and handlers to practice their tracking, evidence recovery and wildlife detection skills. Sr. Cpl. Zolper trained K-9 Warden to alert on the scent of river herring to help in locating illegally caught herring. As of this spring, Zolper and Warden have been partners for seven years. Since Warden joined the Enforcement Section in 2006, he and Zolper have tracked missing people and evasive suspects, located key evidence in wildlife conservation and criminal cases, and represented the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section in public demonstrations of Warden’s specialized skills.

Are you AWARE?
With signs of spring in the air, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section and the Delaware Office of Boating Safety would like to remind early season boaters and anglers of the importance of life jackets. “Statistics show that not wearing life jackets is one of the leading causes of boating fatalities in the state of Delaware as well as nationwide, and that 80 percent of these fatalities could have been prevented by life jacket use,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Delaware Boating Safety Office. “Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that life jackets save lives.”

In Delaware, life jackets also are the law – and the law requires that owners/operators of recreational vessels carry one readily accessible life jacket for each person aboard, and that children age 12 and younger wear a life jacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters. (Minimum fine for violations: $76.50)

“Vessel operators are responsible to make sure that children aboard their boat are wearing life jackets – and they can set the example by also wearing one,” Sgt. Rhodes said. “Although the law does not require ages 13 and older to wear a life jacket, we strongly recommend life jacket use by everyone aboard a vessel in Delaware waters, especially anyone with limited swimming skills. It’s a smart choice that can prevent an unnecessary tragedy.”

Even on days when the air is warm, boaters also should remember that water temperatures are still cold – currently 43 to 45 degrees, Sgt. Rhodes said, noting that immersion in cooler water can lead to hypothermia very quickly, in which the body instinctively protects its core by shutting down blood flow to limbs first. The Coast Guard recommends wearing layers for protection and warmth, including gloves and a hat. Recommended gear also includes a floatation coat or survival suit, which also acts a life jacket, or a dry suit, which keeps water out and, with thermal layers beneath, keeps warmth in. 

Sgt. Rhodes added these tips:

• If you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your boat for a better chance of being found sooner.
• Keep clothing on to help retain heat.
• Keep your cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag.
• Carry a personal position locator beacon, a personal emergency locator light and/or flares, and a whistle to make noise and attract the attention of rescuers.
• Pack a set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
• File a “float plan” with a responsible friend or family member. Include a description of your boat, when you plan to head out, who is going with you, where you plan to go and when you plan to return.  

“Filing a float plan is always a good idea, because unforeseen circumstances can hit boaters in any season at any time, including a storm, engine problems, swamping, and injuries or other health issues,” Sgt. Rhodes said. “With your plans in hand, a friend or family member can call for help if you’re overdue and tell searchers where to begin looking for you, saving precious time.” 

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, including an easy-to-use float plan form, please visit www.fw.delaware.gov/Boating/BoatingSafety.htm.

 The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/OpGameTheft.aspx .

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902, or Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement, 302-542-6102. 

Vol. 43, No. 118

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DHSS Press Release Date: October 27, 2012
DHSS-122-2012

Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of Public Health announced today that it will open two medical needs shelters on Sunday, October 29, 2012 at noon Sunday at William Penn High School, 713 E. Basin Road, New Castle, and Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes.

A partnership with the Delaware National Guard, the Medical Needs Shelters provide safe and temporary housing to individuals who require support with their medical needs. These shelters are for people who cannot be accommodated in regular shelters.

Individuals at the shelters can expect sleeping accommodations, food and trained medical staff who can assist with medical needs. Medical shelters cannot take the place of a hospital and are intended for those who have minor medical conditions that are stable and require daily assistance. Examples include assistance with medicine administration, changing wound dressings or helping the oxygen dependent.

Caregivers must accompany the individual to the Medical Needs Shelter. Items to bring include:

· Durable medical equipment and oxygen tanks;
· All medication and supplies;
· Personal items;
· Any special foods or liquids for dietary needs;
· Important documents such as phone numbers and insurance information.

Only service animals are allowed in the shelter. No other pets will be admitted. For further information, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/medneedspi.pdf. Emergency contact number is 1-888-295-5156.